CHAPTER 8: DRACONEQUUS - PART 1

The battlefield was now desolate and empty.

Only the cold wind remained, leaving a hollow empty ambiance over the fields of Candyland.

But hidden deep within the Candy Cane Forest would still remain a puddle of a bubbling black substance. It was otherworldly in appearance, pitch black and seemingly infinite in depth.

Making its way to that black puddle would be a lone figure, as it knelt down, touching upon the surface of the ooze with its paw. A playful chuckle followed afterwords, as soon did a grin. The figure's body shimmered with sparks of different colors, before it muttered something silently to itself, revealing it was indeed a female. "Well well, how convenient for me."

Nightmare Moon continued to sulk in darkness, sitting upon her worn throne knowing deep inside that being a ruler here still lacked the purpose she desired. After what she'd done, she was just about ready to give up. She would've never admitted it to herself, but she knew nothing mattered anymore, she to was alone. She was alone with nopony to care about her pitiful pride and world. Her pride got her nowhere, and perhaps it was the primary reason she'd been stuck here in the first place. Eve's voice was no longer here to comfort that lonely existence. But as painful as it was that there was no longer anypony to keep her company, she still didn't regret her decision. Nightmare Moon looked as if she were on the verge of tears, deep bags underlining her eyes like permanent black marks, but it was that stubborn attitude which prevented her from doing so. The more she sulked, the angrier she became. She wanted out, she wanted to mean something again. Here she couldn't make an impact, she could do absolutely nothing! She gritted her teeth, before dwelling on it even more, her own uselessness. Her horn started to glow, as in a moment of great anger she turned swiftly, teleporting away from her throne and using a blast of magic to shatter it to pieces.

Nightmare Moon breathed heavily as she watched the pieces of shattered stone tumble and scatter across the dusty floor. She then reduced those very pieces to ashes with a simple glare.

"Looks like somepony's upset!"

Nightmare Moon's eyes suddenly snapped wide, as she glanced at the ground, uncertain of whether she was losing her mind. Had she finally reached that point in this everlasting sentence? The point in which she truly feared most. The point of insanity? Nightmare Moon ignored it, she remained silent for some time, only to see if it came again.

"Aw, don't ignore me! I want us to be friends you know!" The voice immediately cut in again.

Nightmare Moon stood firmly, now shouting defiantly while glancing around her throne room. "WHO ARE YOU?! How did you manage to get in here?" She paused for a few seconds, "Do you know of who you speak to? Play any games with me and you shall regret it. I am not in the mood, I can assure you." She was paranoid, because even she thought it was impossible for another to enter here at this point, and with such confidence no less. Nightmare Moon lowered her head, and an actual shiver had run down her spine due to this sudden presence.

"I know all the answers! But none of the questions matter, so I won't waste time on any of them haha!" The voice paused, "You and I want similar things you know. So how about we work out something, you and I!?"

Nightmare Moon cocked a brow, leaning her head back. "And what business would I have with a pest!?"

Then suddenly making an appearance in front of the alicorn, floating confidently above her with a cheery smile curled upon her throne would be a female draconequus. She bore a shockingly similar appearance to Eve, which immediately caught Nightmare Moon's eye, leaving the alicorn stunned with an almost frightened look. The draconequus then grinned fiercely, before resting her chin upon her paw, looking horribly amused by it all, especially Nightmare Moon's expression. "Am I but a pest, Ms.Moon?"

Nightmare Moon trembled, shaking her head as she backed away. "What, what is this?" Nightmare Moon was suddenly overcome with a fierce anger as she glared at the draconequus. "WHAT'RE YOU DOING BACK HERE!? I DID EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO ENSURE YOU WOULDN'T BE SENT BACK HERE! NOW HERE YOU-.....You..." Nightmare Moon looked broken as her eyes saddened. She wasn't sure whether these conflicted feelings were happiness or sadness. Had Eve really returned to this desolate realm for her? No, that wasn't possible. But then what did this even mean? Why was she here? "You couldn't really be-" Nightmare Moon placed a hoof over her forehead as she started snickering to herself with a look of paranoia. "Looks like I am going insane."

But the draconequus interrupted with a bored look. "Nope sorry to burst your bubble but, I just ain't her." She smirked.

Nightmare Moon's hopes were shattered as she appeared stunned yet again, and a swelling feeling of annoyance began to show itself through her demeanor. "Oh?...." She lowered her head, her eyes darkening a bit as she did so. "I guess that does make sense." Of course Eve was gone forever. She'd never see her again, that little draconequus who managed to find a place in her cold black heart, was beyond her reach now. That little monster she herself came to accept due to being accepted in return, despite her philosophies and judgement regarding the world, was now probably no more than a powerless creature in chains. Nightmare Moon's sudden feelings of subconscious happiness dwindled, but her anger didn't. She glared at this new draconequus. "So what do you want? I have little patience for any other of your kind. Especially those who like to make fools out of ones I care about."

The draconequus gasped, followed by a snicker. "Care? I thought you were incapable of caring about anything besides yourself!"

The air surrounding Nightmare Moon began to grow heavier as she formed a deep engraved scowl, "10 seconds."

The draconequus leaned back in her throne. "Right right right! Straight to the point huh!?"

There was a looming silence between the two, as they just looked at one another.

The draconequus suddenly manifested two wine glasses along with two apples, as the apples were crushed in midair then ground down into floating masses of apple juice, and dropped perfectly into each glass. She chuckled a bit, "Would you like some?" She immediately shrugged afterwords with an amused giggle and sarcastic laughter. "Oh of course not! Well I'm really thirsty." She then jugged down one glass before moving onto the second, then tossing both glasses behind her, allowing them to shatter on the floor. "Well then, might as well trash this dump, seeing as it'll no longer house somepony as marvelous as you."

Nightmare Moon raised a brow. "What're you talking about?"

The draconequus crossed her arms, then her legs. "You'll be coming with me to the outside world. We'll blow this joint!"

Nightmare Moon looked upon this draconequus as if she were joking, obviously amused. "Hah! Who do you think you are? A god?"

The draconequus glanced down at Nightmare Moon worriedly, as she remained silent to that comment. "Hm...I wonder..."

This caused Nightmare Moon to appear a bit baffled herself, as her expression slowly sunk and there was that sense of intimidation in the presence of this creature again. It was as if the two were equals, if not one being greater than the other. "Who're you?...."

The draconequus now had a more serious demeanor about her as her piercing red eyes met with Nightmare Moon's. Her look was cold and heavy, as she slowly spread her arms. "I am the one who brought Eve to you in the first place."

Nightmare Moon's pupil's dilated as she glanced down towards the ground. She now knew Eve intimately, which had recently lead her to believe something about Eve's original coming to this realm was horribly out of place. The girl wasn't a god despite her amazing magical birthright, she was far too inexperienced to truly know how to manipulate chaos to the length of bringing Twilight and her friends here. To have the talent of being able to use chaos to transcend very worlds. Nightmare Moon had made her assumptions at that time, as did Twilight Sparkle. Yet now here stood the actual culprit responsible for disturbing and intruding upon her sanctum, or perhaps better wording would be her prison. And so easily, did this individual breach it.

Nightmare Moon knew Eve had potential, but to think that this second party had actually existed was baffling to say the least. Was she looking upon a god at this moment? One far greater than even Celestia and Luna? One on an entirely different level? Cold sweat ran down the side of the mare's head, as she had a hard time measuring this creature's actual capabilities. "Hah...."

The draconequus's gaze never left Nightmare Moon as she continued. "All you need to know is that, my name is Eris." She cocked her head to the left tiredly. "If you disregard the existence of my only living family, Discord, then yes, my capabilities may be a little more refined than most. But my past isn't the point of my coming here you see, I've come here to discuss something of far greater importance. It seems Eve's usefulness has proven fruitful, because come a few months ago I would've never possessed the gall to approach you from within your own realm, Ms Moon." She smiled somewhat, obviously in a particularly cheery mood.

Nightmare Moon muttered, "But now you do?.....Why?"

Eris snickered, before a fierce grin steadily spread from cheek to cheek. "Opportunity."

Nightmare Moon wasn't catching on, as Eris expected. She simply stood there, listening with little interest.

Eris continued, chuckling as she did so. "I've been watching Eve's progression for quite awhile now. She was unlike your usual draconequus, and honestly one of my favorites." She sighed before glancing up, tapping her throne. "I would've probably ended her misery myself had I not come to admire her persistence to live alongside such a foolish race. Her kindness was disgusting, up to the point where it came off as if she'd inherited it from these very ponies. How befitting for one such as herself to be born in such a land." Eris suddenly manifested another apple, tossing it into the air before catching it as it descended. She flashed Nightmare Moon a cocky smirk. "Look where that kindness got her in the end. In truth, I knew she wouldn't last long if she didn't accept she was meant to be a being of chaos and destruction. She is an instigator, not a peacemaker. But she rejected my advice, and paid the price for it, so I lost hope for her." Eris then pointed a claw at Nightmare Moon, her smirk only growing wider. "But something unexpected happened, she ended up finding you. Her kindness earned your trust, something unheard of for you Nightmare Moon. It caused you to care. You actually managed to make a friend besides Luna, after all this time." Eris snickered again, letting off hushed laughter at her sudden supposed insight. "Oh yes, I've learned a lot about you in the previous months, after leaving that child here to survive in this little realm of yours. It's funny what foolish things creatures end up doing for these friend's of their's, I will never understand it." She shrugged, before grinning. "But I sure can abuse it."

Nightmare Moon turned slightly red, before looking a bit frustrated with this so called Eris. "You best shut that filthy mouth you pest. You're trying my patience with all these insults. You know nothing about that girl, that much is obvious despite what you say. She is something different, and the moment I escape this place, I'll be sure to take her back from those meddlesome brats."

Eris cackled, before shrugging. "I've no idea what's with this friendship fest going around. It's all so boring! Who would want to live in a world filled with nothing but love and friendship!? Where's the excitement in that? What's a story without conflict, without chaos!? Even my own flesh and blood has become smitten for some little pony, how pathetic is that!?" She started kicking her legs a bit, sighing as she did so as her tail swayed from side to side. "But he lasted the longest in this little plaque of kindness, so I give him the credit he deserves. But for a draconequus to actually be born with it? No, no we can't have that. It's reboot time." She paused, before giving Nightmare Moon that cold stare once again. "Which is why you're going to help me clean up my race. In return for your assistance, I'll save you from this place. I'll grant you the freedom you require in order to take back that girl."

Nightmare Moon burst into laughter, "Hahahaha! You expect me to believe you'll not only be able to get me out of this place, but that you'll do it for helping you massacre your own race. What sort of joke is that? Ahahahahaha! That is grand!"

Eris immediately cut into the conversation. "Yes, that's right." Before she'd snapped angrily, her eyes wide as the draconequus became suddenly overcome with a pent up fury, her words ruthless and cold. "EVERY, SINGLE, ONE OF THEM!!!!"

Nightmare Moon then fell silent, and flinched somewhat in regards to the sudden outburst. She now regarded Eris with a serious contemplative stare of her own, realizing this draconequus truly was something darker than she expected. "Hm..."

She placed her paw on her forehead, sighing heavily then glancing up. "Well not all, at least the ones who thought it would be best to reduce my kind to such a boring pitiful state. A world of order, a world of peace? I will destroy them for ruining my perfect balance, for not fearing my wrath. For abusing my race in such a manner, and rejecting our given birthrights. You see, for quite some time I have been recovering from past events, but now is the time we act, together." Eris spread her arms once again. "You will offer me your assistance Nightmare Moon, because I am the only one who can get you out of here with my powers. I am different from other draconequus, I embrace chaos fully, I have more understanding of it than any other. I don't degrade myself, I don't limit myself from my endless potential. Which is also why I will make the offer even better for you."

Nightmare Moon squinted a bit in discomfort as she wore a twisted frown, obviously conflicted.

Eris wiggled her sharp claw. "Ah! See I knew you weren't yet satisfied. Of course helping you get out of here wouldn't be enough. Not only would you be forced to waste your time with me, but you would lack the power needed in order to accomplish anything. You alone aren't enough to deal with three of my kind, let alone the children of harmony as well as Princess Celestia and Luna, it'd be a wasted effort. You'd only be banished again, and if you did manage to somehow escape, then you'd be hunted to the ends of this world." That fierce grin returned to Eris. "Which is why I shall birth you with the greatest gift I can. I shall birth you with the gift of, chaos!" Eris burst into wild laughter as she relished in the idea, trembling in her throne. "Can you imagine it? The potential you will have!? The forces you'll be able to manipulate and control!? As you are now, you may even possess the power to surpass me! I'd be the ultimate fool allowing you to abuse such potential, I'd be absolutely mad! But chaos, oh the chaos would be spectacular!"

Nightmare Moon cringed practically in disgust at the persona of this twisted deity. "And how would you accomplish these things? I no longer harbor any doubts you are indeed who you say you are, but even this is beyond you."

Eris flinched, before scowling at the alicorn. "Nothing.....is beyond me. I am a creation whose very appearance signals the coming of the end. I am the endgame! I am the insurmountable wall! I am the one who has transcended worlds!!!" She burst into laughter again, kicking her legs before writhing around her throne happily. "Bahahahahahahahaha!!! I am chaos, did you forget!? Chaos lively and full! Chaos which doesn't restrict itself! Chaos which has spread from generation to generation! I am everywhere and a part of everything! I am limitless in my potential!" She suddenly paused before her expression sunk a bit. "At least....I was..."

Nightmare Moon's nose wrinkled a bit as she knew it was official, this draconequus was officially loony.

Eris glanced down at her paw and claw. "Which is why to be limited to only one world would be foolish for ones such as ourselves. With chaos on my side, this very fabric of reality is no more than a boundary waiting to be surpassed. After I have claimed what is rightfully mine, I will go about my business with the remaining remnants of my race, and we will leave this world to its business, as we will leave you to your business. Do what you want with the inhabitants of this pathetic world of friendship, I will do what I must with the inhabitants of those realms not yet affected by it. I will restore my perfect balance to those worlds and ensure everything remains as it should be." She returned to lightly tapping her throne with her claw. "The end is night and it's certainly been a long time coming, but that's besides the point." She cocked her head to the left, "You see Nightmare Moon you may exist, but you lack a physical form in the material world. Princess Luna now has sole rule over her body, meaning you have no place to return to." She paused, "But don't fret, for a physical shell is nothing for one such as myself to create. Especially when the spirit itself is still intact, creating life is a whole other matter entirely, but giving you a place to reside is simplistic to say the least. You will be capable of doing all that I can do and more, but only if you learn to understand and embrace the chaos which will course through your very being." She smiled, "Yes, you will be able to take back what is yours. You will be able to save perhaps your only friend."

That lengthy period of silence had returned again, as Nightmare Moon stood there silently for quite some time.

Nightmare Moon smirked softly, closing her eyes and lowering her head. "You truly are something completely different from any I've ever encountered. A true fool, a blind god who would do anything in order to remain sated with the universe which surrounds you. You're like a spoiled child whose lost all satisfaction with every toy she's ever received, and now here you are desperately searching, trying to recover and save yourself from your own insanity and paranoia. Even if it costs you everything." Nightmare Moon appeared fairly amused with it all herself. "Take it from me goddess, you may not believe me now. But be careful what you wish for, a world from the bottom is far different from a world at the top. Despite what you may believe, sometimes the challenge isn't worth overcoming. And sometimes the amusement, is far too short-lived to be worth anything."

Eris scoffed with her arms crossed, "Hah! Let me worry about those things will you? So.....Does this mean you accept?"

Nightmare Moon's smirk never left her, "I will gladly accept your gracious offer. Lady of Chaos, Lady of,.....Discord."

Eris smirked. Well Eve, thanks to you, I've made quite the ally on this day. "Shall we get started?" She snapped her claw, as behind her throne, suddenly a tear in the very realm had appeared. A portal of sorts, reaching into the very depths of the void.

Nightmare Moon proceeded towards the portal with anxious eyes. "I think a better way to put it would be, shall we finish this?"

"What of the citizens of the island?" Princess Celestia remained situated at the far end of the banquet table early that next morning. However the only individuals present were her, Discord, Rift, Havoc, Princess Luna, and a band of guards. Neither Eve, nor Twilight or any of the others involved with the success of the mission were present at this meeting. Princess Celestia had a look of angst written all over her face, it was obvious she wasn't very happy with the briefing she'd received regarding this entire event. She only sighed before closing her eyes and lowering her head somewhat.

Rift nodded plainly, closing her eyes and crossing her own arms before replying. "They were left entirely unaware of what occurred princess. However, there's something I think you should know, regarding that island."

Princess Celestia raised a curious brow at the draconequus.

Rift continued, wincing slightly. "It was something that struck me as odd upon our arrival. The island appeared to be everything but a natural occurrence. The creatures which inhabit it as well as the landscape itself was entirely out of place. It was truly as if a child had crafted it from her filly tale fantasies. It wouldn't surprise me if our little monster was heavily involved with the origin of the island itself if not entirely. Which is why Havoc and I took the precaution of using our own powers to help mend the wounds caused by our presence there with our own chaotic influence. Hopefully this will deter the locals there for some time from what's happened, but still I worry that girl has allies she did not speak of. There may be possible future repercussions for taking her." Rift paused, "However, if you require us to ensure such a thing doesn't happen. All you have to do is give the order, and we'll be right on it."

Princess Celestia frowned heavily due to the subliminal messaging and realizing immediately what Rift was implying. Princess Celestia ignored that possibility entirely, before revealing her own insight of the situation. "Yes, thank you for your report. I am aware of that strange island's conditions and after hearing of it, I to took some time to connect the pieces. Your words are only confirmation that my suspicions were correct all along. I will ensure that Eve's capture will bring no trouble to Equestria let alone my subjects, there are many ways of handling this through diplomacy. We do have a lot of things we need to take care of, but nothing too complicated, we've been through worse. So no, further handling of the situation won't be required."

Princess Celestia fell silent and appeared lost for a few seconds. "That girl has no true allies besides us. Those creatures, if they truly believe themselves to be her companions then they are horribly mistaken. They are only attached to the poor girl out of convenience and out of a feeling of necessity if anything. Once I agree to supporting them in their ways and offering my help in establishing a better order for us all, they will forget Eve with time I imagine." Princess Celestia glanced around at the individuals listening to her. "That draconequus child was born and raised in Equestria, and if anypony were to have the right on deciding what's best for her future it shall be me. Those islanders will also help in shielding Eve from Twilight's wishes and accusations, for if Twilight truly cares about Equestria and her subjects, which I know she does, then she will keep Eve's whereabouts a secret until the time is right. Lest she wishes to bring the possibility of war to our very shores if she truly was that significant to those creatures. Eve knows too much at this point and would be far more useful on our side, rather than imprisoned."

Discord soon cut in with a yawn, patting his mouth with a paw. "Speaking of which, where iiiiiis our purple little princess? I do imagine she'd be the one MOST interested in hearing about your plans for the future Celestia. I mean for what is it, months now? All we've heard is whiiiiining and mooooaning, I mean sheesh! You'd think after finally capturing the darn girl she'd be a little more eager about the idea of finishing up hm?" Discord snapped and a bag of chips appeared in his claw as he took a handful. "Oh quite delicious!" He then slivered a bit before stretching and yawning again. "Buuuut politics politics, this is quite the bore. Celestia! I'm going on lunch break, you don't need me around anyhow do you? Toodles!" Then Discord disappeared in a poof of smoke.

Havoc sneered, tapping his claw atop the surface of the table. "To think that he's the most lethal of our kind astonishes me to say the least. With such talent, you'd think he'd have the mind to actually accomplish more instead of joking around all the time."

Rift regarded her partner with annoyance. "It's because of his unique mind that he is who he is. You'd do best to remember that, and him Havoc. Discord is a legend among our kind and is related directly to Eris, a goddess in her own right. It's only natural he'd be the most capable out of all of us." She shook her head at him in disappointment.

Havoc smirked somewhat, "Then how come he was unable to handle one little draconequus?"

Rift appeared heavily offended by such a proclamation. "That child is a hybrid, a monster, a creature out of nightmare! Do not compare her to an honest bred draconequus! You saw what she was capable of!" Rift scowled, appearing bitter to say the least. "Somewhere in her twisted philosophy she was able to abuse her birthright and mold it into something else entirely. It was her dwelling on such negative emotions that turned her into what she is. How ones falls into fall into such a bottomless pit of despair is beyond me. Nonetheless the child had to have had some help from an outside source, one besides Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia looked a little baffled as she immediately rose. "Outside source? What're you talking about?"

Rift glared at the princess intently. "Princess, our mission would've been a failure had we not received help from another outside source, the same source I also believe prevented us from succeeding in the first place. The conditions were beyond our control, and the only solution available to us at the time was utter decimation of the girl, it was only because she'd become severely weakened and distraught we were able to apprehend her. What most draconequus take millennium to achieve was reached by some kid in the span of less then a decade, it is a phenomenon in all forms of the word. I understand that your influence on this matter helped Eve achieve a very intimate grasp on generations worth of knowledge revolving around very dark subjects, but even so, I believe somepony or something helped her even more so than you."

At that point Princess Celestia appeared a little annoyed, although she continued to listen.

Rift continued, "Somepony with the power to influence her directly through the mind in order to make a permanent engraving on her if it so wished it. Something with a vast knowledge revolving around misery, fear, and despair in itself. A malicious entity? One on the scope of godhood if you were to judge. I know it is unlikely that such an individual would exist, but I ask you now princess, does it? Is there one in your history capable of these things? One of nightmarish malice?" Rift sighed, glancing to the lower left in contemplation. "Princess, I need to know. I believe Eve has been unconsciously influenced longer than you realize, that there's been a plaque on her mind which must've been present months to say the least. She had near instant regenerative capabilities and perhaps endless grasp on chaotic magic, such experience could never be taught by you alone, especially in the short amount of time she was exposed. You informed us she did herself a great deal of harm after being influenced by past events which you showed her. Now imagine if these things were amplified without your knowledge, imagine if while you were going by your own methods to further that girl's progression, there was already one who'd been doing it, unconsciously affecting that girl's mind. Such a possibility would piece together all that's happened, you were simply the final push that girl needed in order to reach the peak of experience to become no less than even a goddess, a draconequus with timeless knowledge relating to a unique representation, or you, alicorns themselves. A being with many years worth of experience." She gave Princess Celestia a crooked expression with an intense stare. "With you yourself being unaware and due partly to unfortunate events, that girl was able to create a domino reaction which resulted in her ascendance. So I ask you again princess, is there any you can think of with such potential? Is there any time in Eve's life that you're aware of where she was exposed to such an individual?"

Princess Celestia was quite silent, as one did come to mind but she dared not say it, before glancing over towards her sister.

Then as did Havoc, and soon Rift, each of them with looks of suspicion regarding the alicorn.

Princess Luna immediately gasped, rising from her seat. "This is absurd sister! What're you all implying!? Do I look like a malicious entity to you? Do you not trust me body and soul!?" Princess Luna's eyes saddened. "How could you? How could you even contemplate such a thing!? Do you not believe I've changed since then? Why would I involve myself with that creature? WHY!?"

Princess Celestia shook her head, wishing to explain herself. "Of course not Luna! I know you would never do such a thing!" But Princess Celestia's tone died down as she appeared distraught, glancing to her lower right once more. "But...it is only you who're capable of such a feat as well with such powers. There is no other like you in this world of ours. The realm of dream is your domain, you are its sole ruler and protector, so I see no other possibility." Princess Celestia looked at Luna in puzzlement. "I trust you with all my heart sister, I know you have changed. But who else could've heavily influence that girl's mind besides you? Nightmare Moon is no longer a part of this world. It is you who controls the realm of the dream, to use such a method would be genius, no trace, no evidence, and all the results. Please Luna, I'll understand if you were only trying to help me achieve my goals, it's under-"

Princess Luna snapped angrily, "I HAD NO PART IN IT!!! NONE!!! Now will you all stop suspecting me!? You're breaking my heart sister, I thought we were past this!" She huffed profoundly before her expression died down and she simply frowned, looking down towards the table's surface soon afterwords. She then muttered beneath her breath, "Besides Celestia....I don't think you understand how my magic works. There are other factors to consider." Princess Luna glanced up at her in hesitation, before looking fairly guilty. "I do not possess sole control upon the realm of the dream. Ever since that night, I've pondered the thought if perhaps my control over that realm had split as well. Perhaps another realm was created, one where things of nightmare themselves could reside, I have always considered this possibility." She appeared distraught as she fell silent for a few seconds.

Princess Celestia, Havoc, and Rift kept their eyes on Princess Luna in bafflement, wonder, as the alicorn explained herself.

Princess Luna continued, "I have encountered monstrous things in the dreams of all ponies alike, and I have vanquished them all the same, but where do they go afterwords? They could never simply cease to exist. I bring tranquility to those who're lost in nightmare, but, since my return nightmares have become more frequent, more unpredictable and fortuitous. Before my banishment, I felt a need to know, to discover just where nightmares themselves originated. I never found it, I was never able to reach such a place. But if it is indeed out there-" Princess Luna glanced up at the others once more. "Then Nightmare Moon herself resides in a world of her own, disconnected from ours. She would need allies, and what better than a vulnerable draconequus child?"

Princess Celestia turned away, "I refuse to accept that somehow she managed to involve herself in all of this."

Princess Luna's expression sunk. "So what would you rather believe sister?...That I'd betray you a second time?"

Princess Celestia frowned heavily. Neither option was enjoyable. Either Luna had betrayed her, which she knew for certain wasn't true, or somehow Nightmare Moon had managed to influence Eve's mind directly for a prolonged period of time. Eve was fine now yes, but, was Nightmare Moon still lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to strike? How could she from where she was? Princess Celestia didn't enjoy any of it, and she knew eventually they'd have to look further into the matter. "No Luna, I know you'd never do such a thing. I'm just frustrated is all, obviously this is something we cannot ignore." She sighed, before putting on a smile. "At least the supposed ally Nightmare Moon sought is out of her reach now."

Princess Celestia paused yet again, "But still, I do believe we should hurry and tell that child how things will work from now on."

Princess Luna stood firmly. "What of Twilight sister? Won't she be upset with you after this?"

Princess Celestia glanced back with a wince. "The last thing Twilight needs is to be around Eve. Whenever they're together I see an obvious change in her and it's not something I enjoy. After this, Twilight will be forced to trust me with Eve's future whether she likes it or not, I cannot risk her being involved any longer, she has proven she isn't yet ready to house the responsibility with draconequus." Princess Celestia's own eyes saddened at the thought, "To think she'd resort to such measures a second time, this cannot go on. We need to hurry and speak with her before Twilight begins her banishment ceremony."

Rift leaned back in her seat with a curious expression. "Princess, what exactly are you planning to do with that monster?"

Princess Celestia kept herself faced away from the group as she made her way towards the doors exiting the banquet room. Her expression was hidden from the others but was one pure annoyance to say the least. Her eyes were cold and fierce, as was her twisted scowl. "What I should've done from the very beginning. If it isn't already too late."

Twilight looked out a bedroom window, leaned up with the curtains pulled back. The lower portion of her body was hidden beneath the blankets, and she appeared satisfied with herself. She wore a cheery yet gentle smile, looking upon the garden of the castle grounds with a sense of longing, as if she just wanted to just get up and go out there. "It feels so good to be back."

Suddenly Pinkie Pie made an appearance, "And it's good to finally have you back Twilight! YEP YEP!" She jumped up and down on the bed before dropping back down to the floor and acting all jittery as she moved about the elegant room.

Applejack simply grabbed hold of the mare, forcing her to stay still for a second. "Simmer down now Sally."

Rarity soon cut into the conversation. "But yes Twilight, we are all absolutely ecstatic that you've returned safe and sound. We were all quite worried you would get hurt again in this whole mess. Especially poor Spike."

Twilight glanced around the room worriedly for a second. "Speaking of that, where is Spike? Is he okay?"

Fluttershy stepped in hesitantly, lowering her head somewhat with a smile. "H-He's okay Twilight...He just went to the library, since when he came to see you, you were still sleeping." Fluttershy looked apologetic still, recalling what'd happened the last time they were all together like this. "I'm...I'm so sorry Twilight, about, about everything that happened. I'm glad you're okay."

Twilight regarded Fluttershy with a forgiving smile, chuckling softly. "It's okay Fluttershy, we all make mistakes sometimes. But I'm sorry to, I shouldn't of had an outburst like that. I was just so worried about everypony, I just wanted all this angst and madness to end. But overall I'm just glad we're all back here together again, and all of this crazy draconequus business is finally about to end."

Fluttershy flinched, before lowering her head again and looking quite saddened by the proclamation.

Applejack and Rarity didn't fail to notice Fluttershy's reaction, and they just kept their thoughts about it to themselves.

Rarity suddenly gave a crooked smile, before further inquiring, "S-So, it's finally over hm? Eve....she's...well...erhm..."

Twilight's expression sunk before she looked deeply upset, wearing an intense glare. "She's with Rainbow Dash....."

The rest of their eyes widened in shock, as Applejack took a few trots forward. "Wait, say what now!? Why!?"

Twilight scowled, wincing as she did so. "That's what I'd like to know. Eve has a tendency of getting under other's coats. And instead of resting, Rainbow wanted to pay her a visit." Twilight paused before closing her eyes and sighing heavily, just glancing up towards the ceiling. "Not that it'll matter come a few hours, I'll begin the banishment ceremony and ensure Eve never hurts anypony else again. The things we saw on that island may haunt me for years to come but I know overall the pursuit was definitely worth it. Rainbow may be confused now but once Eve's gone, she'll understand I did what I had to. We'll all just return to our normal lives and this will be another problem we all managed to make it through together." She lowered her head before placing a hoof over her heart. "Friendship is a precious thing, we all know that. We all know sacrifices need to be made to protect and preserve it when those willing to reject and decimate it emerge from the shadows. Some, can never know the true value of this gift."

Applejack then asked Twilight worriedly, as the others mimicked her expression. "Twi, you ever done a banishment spell before?"

Twilight's eyes widened before she stuck her tongue out and blushed faintly, scratching at the back of her head. "Nope!"

Rarity and Applejack simply covered their faces with a hoof.

Pinkie Pie then bounced around ecstatically once again, "Oh my gosh! Banishment!? What's that!?"

Fluttershy frowned at Pinkie Pie. "You probably don't want to know Pinkie."

Applejack turned towards the door. "Well Twi if you don't mind I'm gonna knock some sense into Rainbow Dash."

Twilight raised a hoof, "Wait Applejack!....Let's...instead let's go to the gardens for now. I'm sure Rainbow Dash will be fine."

Applejack glanced back with a raised brow. "Wha? Twilight have you gone bonkers to?"

Twilight smiled softly. "Eve's locked away and restrained somewhere very confined. For now I'm not worried, I just want to go out and enjoy this relaxing day with my friends. Just for some time, I want to forget all about this tragedy."

Twilight glance down at her blankets, seemingly lost in thought. Just for some time, I want to reject Eve's existence.

Eve sat in her cell, which was surprisingly well accustomed. There was a comfy bed with beautiful blankets and pillows full of fluff perfectly laid out for the draconequus as well as walls decorated with pictures of many prestigious Canterlot figures, more than likely royalty. Eve sat upon the edge of her bed, kicking her legs slightly. She wore a paranoid expression as she chewed on the tip of her paw nervously while lost in thought. She wore thick stainless steel bracers as well as a collar around her neck and finally two  bracers around her ankles. Although even with such things the air surrounding her began to distort while her collar pulsed and vibrated with magical energies and static. Eve thought back to everything that'd happened. Everything that'd contributed to this moment. She recalled all the decisions she made to arrive here, and her heart raced the more she focused on such things. Her body slowly started to tremble the more frustrated she became, and the more distraught she grew. All her memories played out like scenes in a picture book, and it was as if half the story was missing, and deep within herself, she panicked because of it.

She saw the face of her real mother accompanied by her father, as they smiled holding a piece of candy before her. Then immediately afterwords, she also saw them leave her behind. She saw them flash her one last disappointing glance, one she couldn't understand back then, but something that was all too painfully clear now. She saw them depart, trailing off into the vast endless skies never to be seen again.

Eve slowly rose her claw to her bangs tearing at her mane somewhat, gripping it tightly.

She couldn't prove herself to them, not that she really cared anymore. To her, they were now simply mirages.

But ever since then, she'd had trouble making decisions and she could see that.

It all felt so definite now, so apparent and factual, she was almost petrified with disbelief at her own knack for misjudgment.

The memories transitioned to Cheerilee's smiling face. Eve recalled how Cheerilee looked down upon her with a caring affectionate smile, keeping her close and selflessly putting Eve before herself and wanting only what was best for her. Cheerilee looked upon her as she would any other child, despite the fact she was a draconequus. There was that peaceful atmospere and that unfamiliar feeling of sanctity when they were together in her home. It was something she would always cherish, and would never be able to replicate or forget. Too much had changed since that point in time, Eve felt nothing could ever be the same again.

It was a gut-wrenching feeling.

Then that very image of Cheerilee's smiling caring face transitioned immediately to a grimmer portrayal of Eve's loving adoptive mother. It was Cheerilee's tears of grief and disappointment, her mane soaked from the rain as her eyes were wide with shock and horror due to Eve's actions at Canterlot. Cheerilee's smile was no longer there, it felt infinitely far away.

Eve's own eyes were wide as she thought back to these memories, as they were like a slap of reality to her face. Her pupils were dilated as it all played throughout her head over and over again, everything that'd happened. So much regret coursed through her, what was she doing with her life? She appeared lost in time as she was focused on the marble floor beneath her as her mind was in an entirely different place. In the memory, Cheerilee's voice was mute, she was screaming indistinguishable words at Eve, weeping for her as she stood mere feet away from her in the blood ridden castle courtyard.

Eve's head slumped down, as she did a sluggish swaying motion. Just how many mistakes had she made, one after the other? It was all never-ending for her, all so stupid, all so pathetic. And those decisions never accomplished anything.

Usually the decisions she made only made everything worse.

Twilight inevitably appeared next in her memories. The mare always wore that contemplative expression before her, although Eve recalled how much more mellow it was in the past. One could easily see Twilight's hesitation, her wisdom for insight into the very future they'd arrived at, the one the alicorn princess attempted to prevent. Eve couldn't help but feel displeased with Twilight after everything that'd happened, but nor could she bring herself to truly hate Twilight for any of it. Eve saw it, she saw Twilight change over a lengthy period of time, each and every time she herself causing the mare to fall into something far more cold than she actually was. Eve felt like a virus slowly affecting the mare, pushing her down towards the edge of insanity. She saw that look of guilt and contemplation from their first meeting twist into a fierce scowl of piercing hatred. Twilight's look of disgust and hatred in regards to Eve's very being. Time had done nothing for them besides make it all worse, and Eve knew Twilight would never accept her. Since this all started, Twilight was only ever doing what she could to ensure nothing as traumatic as this never occurred, and now here they were. Eve felt like a fool as she saw how it all could've been avoided if she simply ceased to exist. Yet Twilight still showed her mercy. Even at the end, Twilight somehow found it within herself to spare her. It was all just so annoying.

Just how long had she chased after something that didn't even exist? That perfect paradise she believed was achievable somehow or someway was never even there. It was only the privilege of the ignorant and the sheltered. Yet she still wanted it, despite knowing she likely would never arrive at that destination. And that was the problem, she could never let go of a dream that never had any meaning in the first place. She'd managed to create an entirely different society of ignorance and acceptance, one made up of individuals who she hoped would never see what lied beneath the surface of tranquility, hidden deep within the shadows of the world. That grim reality was lurking, waiting to be found by those unsuspecting victims. Eve cocked her head back, looking up at the ceiling as she wondered just how long she'd repeated this never-ending pattern of misfortune.

They all came to her at once in shards and pieces of her fragmented storybook. Fluttershy, Trixie, Zecora, Prowl, Talon, Celestia, then there was simply darkness, a chapter that was missing. Eve's heart ached as her lip quivered and formed into a broken frown and she never found that look of peace, still appearing lost. Every single one of them. Everything always ended in tears, in angst, in misery, and in negativity. There was not one sliver of happiness in her life anymore! She'd lost everything and everypony, and what for!? She was still here in this grim harsh reality, forced to live on and remember. She'd made absolutely no progress at all! Once again her stupid plans failed and she'd accomplished nothing, nothing! All her actions resulted in was more hatred towards her kind, and more turmoil for the ponies. Her trembling became more frantic, as did her grip on her mane and chewing on the tip of her paw. She wrapped her claw around a lower portion of her mane, tugging at it, attempting to find something to vent her feelings on. Her sharp fangs tore into her paw, but her magic healed the bloody wounds with each crushing bite. Eve continued to question herself, telling herself it was all because she tried. She tried to change something that could never be changed. She tried to pursue a world that was no longer possible for her. Every decision she made was wrong, and everything she did only resulted in more madness. Trying was the problem, and if she wanted to fix it, she simply needed to stop. To stop trying,.......to stop caring.

All along, she should've simply listened. Listened to Twilight, listened to Princess Celestia, to everypony.

Everything could of been avoided had she at least managed to have a fraction of common sense,....of understanding.

She could no longer bare the wait of any of the consequences, she could no longer bare the regret of everything she'd done.

Eve tore down angrily, ripping out some of her mane, before glaring forward.

And with her motions, the very objects in her cell tore themselves apart.

They spiraled and crashed about the walls as if they were possessed, shattering to pieces like part of a makeshift tornado.

The guards outside Eve's cell attempted to not react, but some couldn't hold their trembling, while one in particular gulped.

Rainbow Dash had never explored this part of the castle before. She was hesitant, and she'd never admit it but was actually somewhat afraid of this seemingly isolated area. It felt as if they were entirely disconnected from the rest of Canterlot, especially after having made her way down so many stairs. She wondered if the Crystal Empire had something similar to this as well. She felt as if she'd descended completely into shadow, but luckily she wasn't alone. Rainbow was trembling lightly, as she used her outstretched wing to hold up a tray of various fruits and vegetables and a bottle of water.

Rainbow lowered her head, blushing a bit in regards to how meaningless it probably was. It was just a tray of food and some water, but she wanted to do something to at least give the kid some ease. Rainbow knew Eve had done some horrible things yes, but she also knew now that not everything was her fault. A lot of other factors came into play, and Rainbow knew she probably needed somepony there for her. So many of the images didn't make sense to Rainbow though as well, but nonetheless, no kid should have to go through all the horrors she'd witnessed in that vault of memories. Rainbow knew at least that much. Although now was not the time to get lost in thought, Rainbow motioned down to her small companion with a nudge and smirk. "Thanks a lot Spike, I really appreciate this you know." She paused, "Buuuuut, I'm not so sure Twilight would want you coming down here to see Eve."

The little guide revealed as Spike laughed a bit, as he placed his claw on his chest. "Hah! No worries, I've got it all covered. Twilight and the others think I'm just hanging out in the library." Spike rolled his eyes in amusement. "Which is a laugh to say the least! Heck, why would I be in a library of all things?" He muttered softly to himself followed by a groan. "I'm in one long enough as it is." He then began making his way forward down a long hall. The hall although it possessed this strange atmospheric chill to it, was also just as beautiful as it was ominous. The floor was clear as crystal, while the walls were etched with decorative markings which glistened in the shadows. They were like streams of gold, never-ending as they reached all the way down the hallway.

Rainbow Dash of course followed in suit, still keeping the tray steady but also causing a chattering noise due to her trembling.

This caused Spike to stop in place, before glancing back at the mare. "Are....you scared Rainbow Dash?" He raised a brow.

Rainbow's face flushed red, before she'd gasped in disbelief. "W-WHA!? I'm not scared! Are you nuts or somethin!?" She turned her head away from him stubbornly, obviously offended by his foolish proclamation. Her, scared? Who'd this little baby dragon think he was anyway!?

Spike burst into laughter. "Hahahahahaha! You're actually scared!" Spike paused before letting off a light sigh of amusement. "Jeez Rainbow it's not like there's anything down here. Twilight and I used to play hide and seek down here all the ti-"

"May I ask what you two are doing down here?"

Spike immediately jumped as did Rainbow as they screamed in sync, hugging one another. "EYAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!"

The tray immediately fell for obvious reasons, causing the food and water to scatter and spill across the floor.

Rainbow and Spike then turned, immediately catching sight of a mare adorned in beautiful black armor.

She was a bat pony, and an oddly familiar face. She raised a brow at the two unexpected individuals trekking around in this area. "As you probably should be aware, security down here has heightened since Eve the Insane's capture. She is a dangerous criminal, and like every dangerous criminal, especially one whose been able to escape more than once, Princess Celestia and Luna has ensured us no chances are to be taken. So, as I said, may I know what you two are doing down here?"

Rainbow dropped to all four of her hooves, before getting obviously offended. "Who do you think you are!?" She got in the mare's face with an annoyed expression. "Look at what you caused me to do!" She pointed a hoof down at the spilled water and food.

The mare winced at Rainbow, before smirking softly and cocking her head to the left in amusement. "That was only due to your own fear, not me. Also, you may refer to me as Silver. I'm only a humble member of Princess Luna's guard, not one of outstanding rank or prestige, just any other guard who happened to be assigned to this sector in task of guarding a prisoner as dangerous as this." She chuckled a bit, before smiling softly in a more friendly and welcoming manner. "It has always been an honor to work under the gracious Princess Luna, she's a very amazing leader and ruler." The mare then regarded Rainbow with an interested look soon afterwords. "It's also an honor to meet the Element of Loyalty Rainbow Dash herself." She then glanced down at Spike, "As well as seeing you once again Sir Spike, I'm sure Princess Twilight is worried about you."

Spike blushed a bit before scratching the back of his head. "Ah naw, haha, I'm sure she's fine."

Rainbow suddenly looked upon this mare with suspicion, before easing up and sighing heavily. "Sheesh, well it's not that much of a big deal. Also I wasn't afraid alright! You just startled me is all." She then began scooping up the food and placing it back on the tray with a disappointed look and a frown. "Well to answer your question we're here to see Eve, she may not have much time so I need to talk with her before then. I...I just feel anypo-...well..anything her age might feel a little overwhelmed after all that's happened. She could use somepony to talk to, somepony non-threatening."

Spike also spoke up. "I'd also like to say something, I mean...maybe if Apple Bloom and I had a chance to talk to her a little then...well, you know-" he glanced up at Rainbow Dash, "Things could've turned out differently." He scratched at the side of his head before shrugging. "But she did attack me before I had a chance to really say anything."

The mare whom referred to herself as Silver looked at the two with a somewhat baffled look, before laughing heartily. "Hahaha! That's very noble of the two of you, as expected of the heroes of harmony." She paused, "But-....You might be a little late."

Rainbow's expression sunk, as there was a slight tremble in her voice. "T-Too late? How come?"

Silver raised a hoof, before shaking her head. "Have you even seen her since she's arrived? That girl's crazy. I was wondering why either of you thought you could get through to something like that." Although keeping such details to herself, Silver muttered something in reference to another. "I don't get how anypony thought they could get through to it."

Rainbow then immediately made her way past the guard, as she rushed hurriedly down the long hall and taking the first turn.

Spike chased after the mare. "W-Wait up Rainbow Dash! You don't know the way!"

Silver glanced back at them, before smirking again and continuing down the hall in the opposite direction. She chuckled before glancing up, "Guess I better go give my report. It won't be necessary involving that child any longer." She also placed a hoof over her muzzle, before tilting her head to the side a little. "Oh. Perhaps I should've warned them about Princess Celestia."

Eve sat in the corner of her cell as all the beautiful decorations which once adorned it, were now shattered and scattered across the floor. Patches of white hair also laid about, as the draconequus sat in the corner, she still appeared lost in her own thoughts. She continued to focus her attention elsewhere, somewhere far away. Her hair was also much shorter at this point, torn unevenly to end just below her ears. And at the far end of the single massive room where Eve's cell was located, there was yet another fortified door, buffed with magical barriers. Eve paid no mind to it of course, she no longer worried about such things.

And when that door at the far end of her chamber room had opened, she paid no mind to that either.

Making their way through would be Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Rift the Draconequus.

Although Rift blocked the path of Princess Celestia hurriedly, who had in her possession, a giant bound scroll. Rift glared at the princess intently, before shaking her head stubbornly. "Princess Celestia please reconsider! You've seen that girl pose such a threat and yet you'd trust her with such a dangerous object? What is the point of this? What could you possibly be thinking? I'd rather you banish her than trust her with that scroll! You place too much faith in our kind! Far too much! This child will grow up to be a monstrous threat to you and your kingdom, no different from King Sombra, no different from Queen Chrysalis, no different from Discord, or even your student of the past! You harbor far too much hope, and not enough doubt!" Rift turned, immediately facing the cell in which Eve resided pointing at it defiantly! "There are some, who have had enough chances!" Rift then manifested an engraved purple scythe, pulling it from her more secure realm. "I won't let you make this mistake!"

Princess Celestia sighed, "Sadly that is not for you to decide, now hold your emotions and step back."

Rift of course paused, before lowering her head, trembling with frustration. "Fine!....Do what you will, it's not my homeland..." She turned away swiftly, stomping out of the room in obvious annoyance as well as frustration.

Princess Celestia looked to Luna with a nod, before the two of them proceeded towards the cell.

Although Princess Luna covered her muzzle as she'd noticed what'd transpired within it. "My word....S-Sister! Is she alright?"

Princess Celestia's eyes were wide in bafflement as well as she to noticed the chaos within the cell. She then set her focus onto Eve in particular who was in one of the corners. Princess Celestia seemed quite hesitant at first but eventually reaffirmed herself, as she spoke. "Eve, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me. Can you do that?"

Eve simply stood, as she began twirling her claw through her hair. She just proceeded to the cell door, before forcibly tearing it off with magic herself. Of course this caused Princess Celestia, Luna, and practically all the guards to react with horror and surprise before they readied themselves hurriedly before the draconequus, but Eve still didn't react. She simply proceeded to Princess Celestia passively, before tugging at her coat and remaining distracted.

Princess Luna gritted her teeth somewhat, glancing at her sister. "Sister, I thought you said those shackles would limit her...."

Princess Celestia's expression sunk as she glanced down at Eve questionably. "They have....The situation has worsened dramatically, come sister we need to hurry." Princess Celestia was still cautious for obvious reasons, but she hesitantly placed a hoof atop Eve's head, before turning back down towards the opposite direction. She glanced over at Luna to take the scroll with her telekinetic magic, before slowly leading Eve down the hall. Although, the process was much easier than expected. Still, Princess Celestia didn't let down her guard, and somehow, this new-found obedience made her feel quite guilty about the situation. Yet she couldn't deny this is what she wanted. She gave a light sigh of relief, before shaking her head at the guards, letting them know that once again, she truly believed she had everything under control. She could feel it, Eve wouldn't be running this time.

As Rainbow Dash and Spike made their way further down the hall, it wasn't long until they found another draconequus making her way down the opposite direction. Of course it was none other than Rift the draconequus as she stopped in her tracks.

There was a looming silence between the three, as Rift just sighed before continuing on her way.

Rainbow Dash however made her way up to Rift immediately afterwords, "Did you just get back from seeing Eve!?"

Rift raised a brow, before laughing a bit and just sighing heavily. It was that same pony from the island, the one who'd ended up defending the draconequus. "Jeez, are all of you ponies are crazy? Your reasons behind what you did are noble, but foolish all the same. Instead of focusing on what truly matters, on who was that girl's main influence, everypony would rather try to figure out some happy ending to all of this. That child did the same and look how it all turned out. Do you truly believe she would comply with your wishes? Do you truly believe she'd expose her secrets, we're not idiots you and I, we all can connect the pieces. To do such a thing would spell about the end of Equestria's precious order, is that all worth one little draconequus's freedom? How naive." She placed her claw on her hip in annoyance, regarding the rainbow maned mare with a slight anger.

Rainbow Dash flinched in reaction to the draconequus's words, yet she still persistently continued, "DID YOU SEE HER!?"

Rift glanced down at her with little interest, "Yes, and just to let you know, you won't be. Now will you go away?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as she'd looked confused, "What? Why? What's wrong with her?!"

Rift made her way past the mare, speaking bluntly. "Everything. But that's not the point. The point is none of you can accept that."

Rainbow Dash cocked her brow before just sneering at the draconequus. "What the heck are you talking about!? Will you stop speaking in riddles, sheesh! All I want to know is what's going on!"

Rift paused, before turning to face the two once more. "So, you want to know what's going on? Pretty soon nothing will be going on. Soon, everything you once knew about that draconequus will be erased. She won't be connected to any of you. She'll have the freedom she's apparently always desired, all at the cost of something that matters little to her due to her harsh upbringing. She'll have the potential to off each and every one of you, to plan and deceive. And for what? All at the risk of another estranged happy ending, the only one with sense in this place is Princess Twilight." She paused, "I should've let her finish the job."

Rainbow Dash and Spike stood there for a bit in bafflement, as they watched the draconequus depart.

Rift trekked down the hall in her annoyance. You can't expect to shelter them forever from the truth princess.

Eventually all things good and bad, come to light. They must be exposed. Despite how much you want to preserve the happiness which surrounds you, we can't deny reality requires some form of balance. Some form of good,

Meanwhile, Twilight and the others sat in the Canterlot Castle gardens, enjoying themselves at some makeshift picnic setup. Twilight of course had a book or two at her side, as she read quietly with a soft smile, while her friends conversed around her. Pinkie Pie was bouncing ecstatically as Applejack and Rarity only laughed due to Pinkie's crazy antics. Fluttershy was closer to Twilight however, simply admiring the little critters which scurried about the area.

And evil.

While Silver Shade stood before her bedroom mirror, giving a report to Queen Chrysalis. The Queen however appeared to care little for anything that her subordinate had to say, seemingly preoccupied with much more important matters.

And chaos is a factor which shows its face on both ends of the table. It's unpredictable,

Discord sighed heavily as he stood in the ruins of the old castle located in Everfree Forest. He glanced around momentarily, as he flew on over to the throne room. Of course it was worn and barren, with rubble strewn about the place, but he wasn't here for decor, he was here for something far more important. Even now Discord could feel the chaotic influence of not only Nightmare Moon's remaining magical essence, he could feel Eris's interference looming. It was as if Nightmare Moon was etched into the very shadows of this cursed place, almost as if one could mold her power in the form of an invisible clay. Although she was most certainly gone, in some ways, she still remained here in the material world. Traces of her dark magic lingered on, and would always be here, waiting for one powerful enough to make use of it. Discord soon manifested his throne before snapping his claw, "Cripes! That little twerp lived in this dusty place for months and didn't even bother to clean up!? Such lack of taste, it needs a bit more touch of....CHAOS! Ohohohohoho! Well, if I do say so myself at least. Now, where oh where did she do it at?" He munched on some chips soon afterwords before grumbling, "Darn brat is ruining my lunch break!" He glanced around the room again with interest, remaining situated in his throne as he tapped his armrest with a thoughtful look.

Although he didn't admit it, Discord appeared weary and cautious, almost as if he were expecting something.

But as Discord was lost in thought, suddenly opening before him would be a portal. Where the broken throne now remained, a gaping hole of infinite black now situated itself, centered upon the crafty draconequus. Discord remained calm however, as he only looked upon this portal with intrigue, waiting for whatever was to come, to hurry up and come. He commented with an impatient tone, "Weeeeeell.....we're waiting!" He glanced left and right, "This would probably be a lot more impressive if I had those meddlesome six....well, five, since we possibly can't count dearest Fluttershy of course!"

"Well well isn't this a surprise!? Can't say we were expecting company, not that it matters really."

A feminine voice chuckled in the shadows, as the figure accompanied by another, soon emerged from the portal. She was tall and slender, as was her partner. Upon revealing herself, Discord's eyes widened as he found himself looking upon yet another draconequus. She regarded him with a pleased smile. "I knew this would be the perfect place to flesh out the finishing touches, but who would've thought you'd be here as well! What brought you here Discord? Would it be safe to assume you were perhaps...looking for me? Or maybe my friend here was the priority on your mind?"

Discord looked on silently, as he actually appeared stunned and frozen as if he were looking upon some mirage or illusion.

The female draconequus just chuckled. "Come on brat, don't look at me like that! It's me....Eris!" She crossed her arms. "But I guess I should also probably introduce my new friend here, forgive her she's a little impatient at the moment!"

Then emerging from the portal would be a second draconequus. She looked over herself as if disgusted at first, or simply confused. Her coat was a pure black color, almost as defining black as the portal from which she'd emerged. Her mane was an azure blue, and surrounding her body would be tiny sparks like little stars shimmering around her, attracted to her very being. Her eyes were a turquoise shade, and she soon focused on the draconequus who sat in throne further down the room. As her tail swayed from side to side, she snapped her claw as appearing on her torso and claw and paw, would be glistening sapphire armor. She spoke in a an irritated tone, "You're Celestia's little puppet from Canterlot. Then that means....-"

The black draconequus grinned fiercely looking down at her paw and claw. "It worked...."

Discord flashed the two a look of heavy concern, and remained silent.

Eris crossed her arms before leaning back against the black draconequus with a chuckle. "Of course it worked! Jeez, have a little more faith in me why don't ya? Honestly, now will you hurry and release them? I'm sure we're both anxious."

The black draconequus couldn't contain her joy as she just looked down at her claw and paw happily. She trembled with eagerness and excitement, before laughing, "Hahahahahahaha! This is grand! I've truly returned to this pathetic little world!"

Eris closed her eyes before smiling softly in amusement. "You're like a child, but I must admit, it's a very good feeling."

Discord's face darkened as he lowered his head, before leaping off his throne and touching upon the floor. He scratched the back of his head before sighing heavily. "Aaaaah this is just no good! I mean, I knew something funny was going on, but why did it have to be the two of you? This isn't good, this just isn't good at all. I mean, especially with dear Fluttershy out there. Although this is the Everfree Forest, it certainly is a great choice of location. It's probably perhaps the main hub of chaos in all of Equestria mhmhmhhm!" Discord flicked his claw momentarily before looking upon the two with a tired look, followed by a sigh.

Eris smiled as she glanced down at Discord.

And suddenly surrounding the entire castle would be a glistening barrier of pink light.

Discord crossed his arms as he flicked his tail, focusing on the two draconequus before him. "Slumber party?"

As the two draconequus near the broken throne simply regarded him with amused smiles.  

Eris snickered, before grinning fiercely. "A little too late for that I assume, my dear Discord."

And it's everywhere. Next Chapter: Chapter 9: Draconequus - Part 2 Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 31 Minutes